What Pretty Germs You Have

There's a softer side to cold and flu season - even a more fashionable one. Germs have been elevated to pop status in some fun products that also raise public awareness about the serious topic of communicable diseases.

Here's a conversation starter: a tie, a scarf or boxer shorts imprinted with colorful magnified images of germs (from the herpes virus to anthrax bacteria) by Infectious Awareables in Encino, Calif. The human genome pattern debuts next, says firm president Roger Freeman. "In other words, you'll be wearing yourself!"

USA WEEKEND Feb. 4-6, 2005
Contributing: Elizabeth Kay McCall, Ayesha Court